BattlefieldsSkirmish at Alton Church
English Civil War

Skirmish at Alton Church

1643
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Colonel Boles' last stand Alton 1643
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Colonel Boles)
Forces
Royalists c.300-400. Church-based skirmish action.
VS
Victor
Parliamentarians (Waller)
Forces
Parliamentarians c.400-600
Outcome
Colonel Boles and his men made last stand in St Lawrence Church; Boles killed at the church door; bullet holes still visible in door
The Battle

History & Significance

One of the most dramatically documented skirmishes of the Civil War. Colonel Richard Boles's Royalist regiment was driven back through Alton into St Lawrence Church. The Parliamentarians broke down the door; Boles fought on the church steps and was shot dead. Sixty-odd Royalist defenders were killed or captured inside the church. Bullet holes are still visible in the church door, and Boles is commemorated inside.

Casualties & Losses

Colonel Boles and c.60 men killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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